HC Deb 05 August 1887 vol 318 cc1362-3
MR. E. ROBERTSON (Dundee)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the Government has arrived at any determination with respect to putting in force the clauses relating to "Dangerous Associations" in "The Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act, 1887?"

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)

I have no information to give to the House on the subject. As the hon. Gentleman is aware, it is impossible for the Executive to take any action in this matter without Parliament being made cognizant of it.

MR. E. ROBERTSON

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be able to communicate this information to the House?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Information will be laid before the House as a statutory necessity if anything is done. The House must be made cognizant of any Proclamation under the Act.

MR. E. ROBERTSON

I am perfectly well aware of that; but what I want to know is, when does the right hon. Gentleman expect to make any communication on the subject?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I should in no case expect to make any communica- tion to the House, as that is provided for by the Statute.